In his last news conference from the White House, President George W. Bush defended his legacy and gave some words of advice for the new president, Barack Obama.

In a passionate and candid speech, President Bush denied the fact that his presidency had damaged the United States’ image. He leaves Obama with a nation which is locked in two wars, is struggling to cope with the worst economic crisis since the 1930s and has a budget deficit close to a trillion dollars.

Nevertheless, the unpopular president underlined the fact that he did everything he could to keep America safe and spread freedom. President Bush also reminded that the danger from countries he included in the so-called “axis of evil” such as Iran and North Korea is still real and imminent.

The most intense part of his speech was the one regarding claims that he tarnished America’s reputation throughout the world. President Bush “strongly” disagreed and explained that only among some elites that might have happened. But the majority of the people still believe America stands for freedom and hope.

"You go to Africa, you ask Africans about America's generosity and compassion -- go to India ... go to China and ask," he said, excluding the European “elites” who frowned on his foreign policies.

President Bush said he could have boosted his popularity in Europe by blaming Israel for the Middle East problems or by signing the Kyoto agreement on climate, but he did not worry about popularity. Instead, his worries focused on the constitution of the United States and on plans to make the ways of finding out what the enemy is thinking more efficient.

He did admit some mistakes during his presidency. One of them was his speech under a "Mission Accomplished" banner on a US aircraft carrier after the Iraq war.

Bush advised President-elect Barack Obama to do what he thinks is right and to avoid self-pity. He also underlined that the biggest threat Obama faces in his first term as the nation’s president is another terrorist attack on U.S.

President Bush insisted that there really is “an enemy out there” who tries to attack America and Obama should be very careful and do what he thinks is best for the country and not listen to the harsh criticism.

“No, it's not a throwaway line. The stakes are high. There is an enemy that still is out there.”

Bush will deliver his formal farewell address to the nation on Thursday. He added that he looks forward to a front row seat during the inauguration of Obama as the U.S. President. The inauguration will take place on January 20 in front of the US Capitol.